Accounting Specialist, School of Natural Resources: UTIA

The School of Natural Resources invites applications for a full-time Accounting Specialist III. Reporting to the Business Manager, this position supports the School's central operations by providing accounting and financial control while maintaining fiscal and administrative integrity, meeting fiscal objectives to ensure compliance with UT Policies and Procedures, and federal and state regulations, and establishing and sustaining positive working relationships with internal and external constituencies.

Accounting

• Process accounting transactions accurately and timely.
• Process miscellaneous reimbursements and accounts payable invoices.
• Manage vendor creation/updates in PaymentWorks.
• Process travel reimbursement/travel card charges for staff and assigned faculty, along with their associated students and staff.
• Distribute/verify/reconcile all procurement card charges.
• Process accounts payable contracts in Agiloft, and purchase requisitions.
• Manage informal bid process when required by Procurement.
• Manage purchasing of supplies and equipment, including items over $10,000.
• Manage Fleet Management assignments and corrections.
• Process journal transfers.
• Process cash deposits.

Budget Management, assisting the business manager with the following:

• Reconciliation of departmental and sponsored project grant and contract monthly ledgers, including salaries, expenditures, and income.
• Calculate PI returns from the provided quarterly F&A returns for Research and Extension.
• Sponsored project grant and contract budget monitoring to ensure federal and state compliance.
• Perform functions such as budget analysis and projections.
• Audit activity codes assigned to various accounts to ensure all expenses are posted correctly.
• Meet with faculty to review sponsored project budgets and expenditures.
• Prepare various detailed financial reports as needed.
• Management of month-end and fiscal year-end closeout procedures.

Asset/Inventory Management

• Annual verification of departmental equipment inventory.
• Create/manage assets within the department.
• Surplus equipment to warehousing.
• Maintain and order computers.

General Office Duties

• Assist with mail and packages, copier, and main phone line coverage when needed.

Required Qualifications:

• Education:
  • High school diploma
• Experience:
  • 4 years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
  • Knowledge of general accounting principles.
  • Problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
  • Excellent communication, customer service, and organizational skills.
  • Ability to have great attention to small details.
  • Ability to maintain accurate records and files.
  • Comply with policies and procedures, and understand/prioritize work assignments and deadlines.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Education:
  • Associate's Degree or vocational training in accounting, finance, or other business-related field
• Experience:
  • 5+ years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
  • Working knowledge of Microsoft Office.
  • Knowledge of accounts receivable/payable functions.
  • Knowledge of UT financial policies and procedures.
  • Knowledge of DASH, Agiloft, Cayuse.
  • Knowledge of or ability to learn grant and contract processes.
  • Skilled in accounting concepts.
  • Ability to work within general guidelines established by supervisor.

Work Location:

• Location: Knoxville, TN
• Onsite

Compensation and Benefits:

• UT market range: MR07
• Anticipated hiring range: $50,000-$64,000
• Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here
• Find more information on UT Benefits here

Application Instructions:

To express interest, please submit an application with the noted below attachments. To be assured of full consideration, completed applications with all requested materials should be submitted on or before September 30, 2025.

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• List of 3 Professional References

About The College/Department/Division:

The School of Natural Resources is located in the Herbert College of Agriculture at the University of Tennessee. We offer two exciting areas of study: the forestry major and the wildlife and fisheries major. The school also has multiple master’s degree programs and a doctoral program in natural resources. Our curricula focus on a mastery learning approach, emphasizing practical, hands-on experiences. Our faculty, staff, and students conduct research and Extension activities that advance the science and sustainable management of our natural resources.